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Sangiovese from Tuscany, Italy

Winemaker's Notes

Carmignano is a 80% Sangiovese and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon blend aged in oak for 12 months and an additional 6 months in bottle. Its ruby red color becomes amber with age, and has an aroma that is earthy, fruity, and spicy. On the palate it is soft with dense, sweet tannins, well balanced acidity that's harmonious with both texture and body giving it a long, persistent finish, fruity with small red fruits and spicy tones.

Capezzana Winery

Grapevines were already cultivated for wine production in the vicinity of Capezzana 3000 years ago. The present vineyard was named in Roman times, and written records of the present vineyard date to 932 A.D. During the Renaissance, the property was controlled by the Medici family. The estate passed by marriage through several noble Tuscan families, until it came under the control of the Contini Bonacossi family early in the 20th century. Today the property is run by the Bonacossi family – Filippo runs the vineyards, Bernadetta makes the wine, and Beatrice handles commercial matters.

All of the grapes for the wines of Capezzana are produced on their estate vineyards. Filippo supervises their production with the utmost in care, using the minimum possible amount of chemical inputs to ensure the health of the vines. Great attention is paid to the size and density of the canopy and to the fruit load borne by each vine.
View all Capezzana Wines

About Tuscany

One of the most important wine regions in Italy, Tuscany is home to the cities of Florence and Siena, the districts of Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino, and the wineries of Sassicaia, Tignanello and Ornellaia. Tuscany is also home to the indigenous Italian grape variety, Sangiovese. Most of the wine coming from Tuscany is made from some clone of this varietal, but a growing trend, started by the renegade winemakers of those Super Tuscans, is to incorporate more international varietals.

Notable Facts

The most well known sub-districts of Tuscany are Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano (note that Montepulciano here refers to the local village, not the grape variety found in the Italian region of Abruzzi). Wine labeled from these regions is DOC-regulated and Sangiovese-based blends. Quality wine from these DOC areas has been on the rise for decades, with top-notch winemakers and wineries shedding the low-quality image once held for Tuscan wine by producing consistently outstanding bottlings that range from deliciously drinkable to highly ageable. Newer to the scene are regions like Bohlgeri and the Maremma, home to of what are now termed "Super-Tuscans," named for the wine coming from the Tuscany area, but not following all of the DOC or DOCG laws required in Italy. In the
1970's, some pioneer winemakers began buying land outside of Chianti and Montalcino, and planting not only Sangiovese, but also international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The wine they produced only fit into the lowest Italian category of "vina da tavola," but the winemakers sold the wine for high prices, creating an almost cult following, and spurning a new wine category called IGT.

About Italy

A little ditty about Italy...

This country has about as many wines as its had governments. With 20 different regions, hundreds of DOCs and even more indigenous varieties, the amount of wine made in Italy is mind-boggling. Most of the juice, however, remains in the country for thirsty Italians. Wine is food in Italy and its rare that a meal is consumed without a glass
of vino. That said, it's not common to find many folks drinking wine without food either. In turn, it's a match, and a mighty good one at that. In fact, it's safe to say that Italian wine is a foodie wine – one that goes on the table for a myraid of meals.

Alcohol By Volume Guide

Most wine ranges from 10-16% alcohol by volume. Some varietals tend to have higher (for example Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon) or lower alcohol levels (Pinot Noir and many white varietals), but there is always some variation from producer to producer. Some wine falls outside of this range, for instance Port weighs in closer to 20%, while Muscat and Riesling are usually a bit below 10%.

Wine Style Guide

Light & Crisp

Light to medium bodied wines that are high in acid and light to medium fruit. Typically no oak.